“NO STEALING A SINGLE COIN!” Mbarara Mayor Kakyebezi Warns as Sh3bn Maternity Project Kicks Off Under Tight Watch
Mayor Kakyebezi, contractors and other stakeholders launching the project
Tension, warnings, and high expectations filled the air in Mbarara as city leaders cracked the whip on corruption ahead of a UGX 3.04 billion maternity ward project that must be delivered on time—or risk losing the money altogether.
The construction site at Mbarara Municipal Health Centre IV has officially been handed over to Bullen Construction Company, marking the beginning of a high-stakes race to build a storeyed maternity ward and theatre in just a matter of months.
But even before the first brick is laid, the message from City Hall is loud and clear—no corruption, no games, no excuses.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi came out guns blazing, warning contractors and engineers against any temptation to divert funds or compromise on quality.
“This money must do what it has come meant for,” Kakyebezi cautioned, insisting that proper use of the funds will restore the pride and respect of Mbarara City.
The project, funded by the American people through the United States Department of State in partnership with Uganda Health Activity and the Ministry of Health, is not just another construction job—it is a lifeline for mothers and a direct response to congestion at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr. Augustine Muhwezi, the project lead at Uganda Health Activity, did not sugarcoat the urgency.
The clock is ticking—and fast.
The entire project must be completed by end of September 2026, or the funding expires.
“If you delay, you are going to lose this money,” he warned bluntly.
Muhwezi called for strict, daily supervision of the site, urging both the facility in-charge and city authorities to stay on top of every detail.
“We are going to give you the BoQs… so that you supervise and know what is happening, what is supposed to be done and what has been done,” he said, adding, “Do not misuse this money.”
He went further, demanding that the health centre leadership be physically present on site every single day to ensure accountability and smooth progress.
For Mbarara, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The expansion of the maternity ward is expected to ease pressure on the referral hospital, cut down unnecessary referrals, and significantly improve maternal health services in the region.
But Mayor Kakyebezi is thinking even bigger.
He revealed that he has been pushing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, to elevate the facility to a full-fledged city hospital.
“I have always raised this issue… because now we have enough structures that make the facility qualify for a hospital status,” he said, arguing that the upgrade would transform healthcare delivery and serve the growing city population.
Behind the scenes, even larger plans are unfolding.
Mbarara City Authority is waiting for the relocation of Mbarara District headquarters from Kamukuzi Hill to Bwizibwera. Once that happens, the city will take over the current administrative block—famously known as the White House—and hand it over to the health centre to further expand services.
But first, the current project must be delivered—and delivered right.
Felix Kakaire, team leader and chief enabler at Bullen Construction, stepped forward with confidence, assuring leaders and residents that the job will be done.
“In the next six months, by 30th September 2026, we will be held accountable,” he said, adding that with God on their side, the project will be completed.
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